When illness strikes, help is necessary

I guess, at some point, the mentally ill should take personal responsibility for their own recovery [“The Sick Must Heal Themselves?” Nov. 17, Xpress].

I am sure [the writer] was well intentioned, and that there are people who can and should take stronger roles in their own well-being, but regardless of the illness, there are people who require help.

Cancer does not cure itself. Though we can take steps to try to avoid some illnesses, prevention is a positive philosophy, we cannot avoid all. When illness strikes – mental or physical — sometimes help is a necessity.